AFTE Store - Cylinder Inserts in 38 Special Caliber Revolvers

A 38 Special caliber revolver was submitted to the laboratory for examination. The revolver had cylinder safety inserts which prevented chambering of 38 Special caliber cartridges. Safety inserts are produced for revolvers in 38 Special and 357 Magnum. Attempts were made to determine if shorter cartridges could be chambered despite the presence of the inserts. It was found that 38 Short Colt cartridges could be chambered. Due to the fact that this scenario was plausible, the question was posed as to what would happen if the gun was fired. In the process of firing the 38 Short Colt cartridge in the firearm, the safety inserts left the cylinder and traveled down the barrel with the lead bullet. Markings of microscopic value were left on the cylinder safety insert.